Here’s What Today’s Orlando Shooting Tributes Are ACTUALLY About
It’s been one year since the tragic shooting at Orlando nightclub Pulse. At the time, many shared their love and support for the LGBTQ+ community in Orlando and across the country. While people are commemorating the anniversary the world over, some are pointing out that the memory of the victims has been diminished, and that’s causing some to speak out eloquently on the behalf of the 49 people who died in the terrorist attack.
1 year ago, 49 families received the worst news imaginable. With that came a kind of pain that never heals #PulseNightClub #OrlandoUnitedDay pic.twitter.com/Mt9bDrDWb2
— Khary Penebaker (@kharyp) June 12, 2017
Taking to social media, what many members of the LGBTQ+ community want people to remember is that the PULSE shooting happened during the club’s weekly Latin night. This was no coincidence. All of the victims were people of color — Black and Latinx members of Orlando’s queer community, who were celebrating their diversity during Pride Month.
One year later, the city of Orlando is taking back the date, calling June 12 #OrlandoUnitedDay, and many are taking the time to remember and honor those whose lives were taken during the tragic event.
Shortly after midnight, 49 angel figurines appeared outside of Pulse, kicking off a day of mourning, remembrance, and celebration of the LGBTQ+ community.
Had to show you this.
The Angels have arrived! #Pulse pic.twitter.com/pWyFklxVJ1— 🎭 Coco Pazzo 🎭 (@CocoPazzo) June 12, 2017
The social justice portrait organization, Dear World, created a special photo series celebrating those who survived the attack as well as the first responders who came to their aid. These portraits were published on Twitter today using the hashtag #DearOrlando.
"Stories only they can tell" Check out @dearworld project on #Pulse #DearOrlando https://t.co/qlBX2SLKSM pic.twitter.com/5lWTLvlWuA
— Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) June 9, 2017
But most were simply interested in keeping the memory of the victims alive.
A year later, and the loss and the shock still feels like just this morning.
Thinking about you today Orlando.
Always. #Pulse— Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) June 12, 2017
1 yr after Orlando, let's again rmbr those we lost & put a stop 2 hate violence. #WeAreOrlando #HonorThemWithAction https://t.co/uG3ieHlLpK
— Matt Bomer (@MattBomer) June 12, 2017
I'll never forget meeting Tony Marrero. His story filled me with so much hope and so much pride. #OrlandoUnitedDay #PulseNightclub pic.twitter.com/icTi7DhNvT
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) June 12, 2017
Today we remember the victims of the #PulseNightclub shooting. You are NOT forgotten. ❤️💛💚💙💜 #OrlandoUnitedDay pic.twitter.com/uJHoq1ZIHE
— Perez Hilton (@PerezHilton) June 12, 2017
We will not let hate win. #PulseNightclub 😟
❤💛💚💙💜 pic.twitter.com/ft1TBa0DxA
— Matt Stout (@MattStout07) June 12, 2017
Unfortunately, the anniversary of the shooting has also brought out people who are using the tragedy as a way to steer the conversation toward anti-Islamicrhetoric, but that kind of defeats the purpose of remembering Orlando in the first place. Hopefully, more people will see the anniversary of the Pulse shooting as a way to further equality and love for all people, and allow the date to serve as a reminder that hate doesn’t solve anything.
How will you celebrate Pride? Tell us @BritandCo!
(Photos via Gerardo Mora/Getty)
